Philosophy of Self: Socratic Perspectives

Socrates

• Influential Athenian philosopher, known through Plato's writings.
• Developed the Socratic Method, a dialectical approach involving questioning rather than lecturing.
• Emphasized "Know Thyself" from the Delphic Oracle, advocating deeper self-understanding beyond the physical self.
• Proposed a dichotomy of self:
  • Physical realm: Changeable, imperfect, and mortal (observable world).
  • Ideal realm: Unchanging, eternal, and perfect (concepts of truth, beauty, goodness).
• Identified the self with the soul, considered immortal and consistent through life changes.
• Asserted that understanding eternal truths requires knowledge of God, who embodies truth and love.
• Suggested that human sinfulness arises from free will and disordered love, stressing the importance of loving God first to achieve harmony.

René Descartes

• French philosopher and mathematician, recognized as the founder of modern philosophy.
• Famous for "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"), emphasizing doubt as a path to self-awareness.
• Defined true knowledge as requiring skepticism about everything, including one's existence, leading to self-consciousness.
• Proposed that the essence of self is a thinking entity, distinct from the physical body.
• Argued for the independence of soul and body, with the soul being non-material, immortal, and conscious.

Georg Simmel

• Addressed urbanization's impact on self and social relations, noting it shifts populations from rural to urban settings.
• Highlighted increased division of labor, leading to a more objective culture.
• Consumption fosters individual self-concept and image through personalizing products.
• Explained that modern commodities create a dispersed connection to personal identity due to their transient value.
• Observed that urban social networks differ from rural ties, with organization of relationships shifting from organic motivations to rational choices.

Donald Winnicott

• Pediatrician and psychoanalyst known for his work on childhood personality development.
• Distinguished between true self and false self:
  • True self: Integral, rooted in authentic experiences, fostered by good-enough parenting.
  • False self: A protective persona developed to meet social expectations and compliance.
• Healthiness of the false self depends on the individual's perception of its necessity without compromising the true self.

Albert Bandura

• Psychologist known for social learning theory and the concept of self-efficacy.
• Proposed that self-identity is related to agency and the ability to model behavior effectively.

Confucian Thought

• Confucius (551 BCE) emphasized a humanistic philosophy focused on societal values.
• Central concept of ren (humanity) expressed through li (propriety), xiao (filiality), and yi (rightness).
• Li: Adherence to societal rules and customs guiding ethical behavior and self-mastery.
• Xiao: Respect and reverence for family, reflecting broader social interactions and values.
• Emphasized that family dynamics shape individual behavior and community interaction, underscoring the importance of familial relationships.

Explore the philosophical perspectives on self as presented through the teachings of Socrates. This quiz delves into Socratic Method and its impact on European thought, emphasizing the importance of questioning and dialogue in understanding the self.